by Sarah Bammel

Created on: February 06, 2011   Last Updated: April 03, 2012

“The Lightning Thief” of Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan is a great book. It has action, mystery, and suspense. This book will be loved by those into mythology and for those who don’t, it will get them interested in mythology.

Riordan has always had an interest in mythology; in fact he used to teach it. This book shows off his knowledge of ancient mythology as we follow Percy Jackson, a middle school student, as he finds out he is the son of Poseidon and is sent on a quest to clear his father’s name in the theft of Zeus’s master bolt.

Percy has been diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD which he later learns have to do with him being the son of a God. The ADHD is for when he’s fighting, he is genetically wired to be aware of everything for his best survival odds. The dyslexia is because his brain is wired to read Greek instead of English. His mother is believed dead after fighting to get him to Camp Half-Blood, where Percy learns of his parentage and his abilities.

Rick Riordan does a good job of bringing the characters to life and getting the reader involved in the story wondering if Percy will succeed. Grover Underwood, a satyr, is Percy’s guardian. He is trying to get his seeker’s license so he can go in search of Pan. Grover is not the bravest, but comes to the rescue when his friends need him most. Annabeth, is the daughter of Athena, and joins Percy and Grover on the quest to return the master bolt to Zeus. She is very smart, Athena is the Goddess of Wisdom after all. As such Annabeth even catches on to who Percy’s father is before Poseidon claims Percy as his son.

The plot is packed with action as Percy and his friends are always getting attacked on their journey and fighting for their lives. They are journeying to the underworld as they are told the likely culprit in the theft of the master bolt is Hades, God of the Underworld. Riordan throws a wrench in that theory, and only the most attentive reader will be able to guess who the real culprit is; I know I was totally surprised.

“The Lightning Thief” is a good book for people of all ages, whether you have an interest in mythology or not. I would recommend going to your local library or bookstore and picking up this great book and also look for the other books of the series; I’m sure they will be just as good or better.

Source: www.rickriordan.com

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